CALLING upon citizens to make yoga an integral part of their daily lives and contribute towards the creation of a healthier society, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Sunday said that yoga, India’s priceless gift to humanity, has evolved into a global movement for physical well-being, mental balance and social harmony. Addressing the State-level programme dedicated to International Yoga Day at the PG College Ground in Ambikapur, where thousands of people participated in a mass yoga session, the Chief Minister highlighted the transformative role of yoga in addressing modern lifestyle challenges. He also announced a significant policy decision aimed at strengthening yoga education and research in the state, stating that the government has approved the proposal to bring yoga under the Department of Medical Education from the Department of Social Welfare. Observing that this year’s International Day of Yoga theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”, resonates strongly with contemporary health concerns, Sai said regular yoga practice offers one of the most accessible and effective means of maintaining physical fitness, mental alertness and emotional stability amid increasingly stressful lifestyles. “Yoga is not merely a physical exercise; it is a complete way of life that establishes harmony between the body, mind and soul. A healthy individual forms the foundation of a healthy family, healthy society and a developed nation. Therefore, yoga should not remain confined to a one-day event but become part of our daily routine,” he said. The Chief Minister credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s sustained efforts for elevating yoga to the global stage. Referring to India’s successful initiative at the United Nations General Assembly in 2014, he said the overwhelming international support for the proposal reflected the world’s recognition of India’s ancient knowledge systems and the universal relevance of yoga. He noted that the worldwide observance of International Yoga Day every year stands as a testimony to India’s cultural heritage and growing global influence.

 

Highlighting yoga’s proven health benefits, Sai said the practice has emerged as an effective tool in preventing and managing lifestyle-related disorders such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, insomnia and stress. He added that modern medical science increasingly acknowledges yoga’s role in preventive healthcare and holistic wellness. The Chief Minister also recalled India’s rich spiritual legacy, noting that Maharishi Patanjali provided yoga with a systematic and scientific framework, while Lord Shiva, revered as the Adiyogi, remains central to the country’s yogic tradition. He further referred to the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, where Lord Krishna expounded the principles of Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga and Bhakti Yoga as pathways to a purposeful and balanced life. Emphasising the state’s commitment to expanding yoga’s reach, Sai said the government’s decision to place yoga under the Medical Education Department would provide fresh momentum to education, training, research and public awareness initiatives. The objective, he said, is to take yoga to every village, school, college and section of society, transforming it into a mass movement for healthy living. Making a special appeal to students and young people, the Chief Minister said yoga plays a crucial role not only in maintaining physical health but also in enhancing concentration, self-confidence, discipline and positive thinking. He urged those who have not yet embraced yoga to begin their journey without delay. Paying tribute to former Chhattisgarh Yoga Commission Chairman Roopnarayan Sinha, Sai said his contribution to promoting yoga across the state would continue to inspire future generations. He described the effort to take yoga to every household as the most fitting tribute to his legacy and commended the Yoga Commission’s ongoing work in promoting healthier lifestyles. The Chief Minister also highlighted the government’s initiatives for tribal youth empowerment.

 

He informed that the capacity of the Tribal Youth Hostel in New Delhi had been expanded from 50 to 200 seats, yielding encouraging results. He cited the recent success of 13 tribal candidates qualifying the UPSC Preliminary Examination as evidence of the positive impact of these efforts. State Health and Family Welfare Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, who also addressed the gathering, emphasised the significance of practising yoga during Brahma Muhurta, the pre-dawn period traditionally regarded as most conducive to physical and spiritual well-being. He described yoga as one of India’s greatest civilisational gifts and said it had gained unprecedented international recognition under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership. Among those present were MLAs Prabodh Minj and Ramkumar Toppo, Chhattisgarh Yoga Commission Chairman Sanjay Agrawal, Housing Board Chairman Anurag Singhdeo, State Youth Commission Chairman Vishva Vijay Singh Tomar, District Cooperative Central Bank Chairman Ram Kishun Singh, Surguja Division Commissioner Narendra Dugga, Inspector General of Police Deepak Jha, AYUSH Director Rajendra Kumar Katara and a large number of public representatives, officials and citizens.